Sports Digest: Shay Given injury scare ahead of Estonia

Ireland game preview: I like Estonians – for now!

Ireland pull off miracle draw against Russia 0-0 in European Championship

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With Kevin Doyle suspended for the first leg in Tallinn, Walters is now the favorite, ahead of Simon Cox, to partner Keane in the Baltics.

“Jonathon Walters is more suited to playing up top, ahead of Robbie Keane,” said Trapattoni.

“Keane and Cox are very similar players. It is not impossible to play them together but I think Walters has shown in the past that he can play in that role, in front of Robbie.

“I am happy that Robbie is fit again and playing for his club in America. He is in good form and looking forward to the game.”

Midfielder Glenn Whelan believes the pain of Paris and that controversial Thierry Henry handball two years ago will drive Ireland on against Estonia.

“The lads that were involved know the feeling of that final whistle in France when we got beaten, and nobody wants to have that feeling again,” Whelan said.

“So we can use that as motivation going into both games against Estonia and change things around after the last time and hopefully qualify, which will give everybody a big lift.”
 
Celtic Wins

NORTHERN Ireland winger Paddy McCourt was Celtic’s super-sub as he inspired a second half fight-back at Motherwell on Sunday.

Neil Lennon’s team moved back into second spot in the Scottish Premier League thanks to the 2-1 win at Fir Park, three days after a 3-1 victory at home to French side Rennes in the Europa League.

Celtic are now 12 points behind Rangers but with a game in hand over their Glasgow rivals after Gary Hooper’s late winner, set up by Irish striker Anthony Stokes and McCourt.

Stokes had leveled after an early opener from Michael Higdon in a game that saw Motherwell’s Meath born defender Tim Clancy sent-off.

The introduction of McCourt by manager Lennon made a big difference as Celtic came from behind to win for the third time in four games.

“It shows that there is a bit of character and it was great to get the goal in the later stages,” said McCourt afterwards.

“I was delighted to come on and contribute. If it had finished 1-1 it was a long way back. We said during the week that winning on Thursday and today was an absolute must. I think the manager and players knew that.

“I’m not saying that if we didn’t get it then the manager was going to get sacked because I don’t know, but as a group we knew these two wins were massive.

“Sunday at Motherwell was a very important win for everyone and it gives us a couple of weeks now to enjoy it and look to build on it after the international break.

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Nster.com